BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe — More than 280 students from higher and tertiary institutions across Zimbabwe convened from 2 to 6 April 2026 for the National Movement of Catholic Students (NMCS) Easter Conference, an annual gathering that this year delivered a powerful blend of spiritual renewal, leadership formation, and social engagement. This year, the gathering was held at Sacred Heart Primary School in Esigodini, Bulawayo Region, under the theme “A Journey of Discernment with Living Hope.” Here, young Catholics embarked on five days of prayer, reflection, service, and dialogue on both faith and national issues, seamlessly transitioning from spiritual renewal to broader community engagement.

Faith and Leadership at the Forefront

Proceedings opened on Holy Thursday with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, where the symbolic washing of the feet underscored a central message of servant leadership. Participants were challenged to embrace humility and service in their personal and professional lives. Later that evening, Moments of Eucharistic Adoration provided space for quiet reflection, setting a contemplative tone for the days ahead.

The following day, the conference was officially opened with a theme presentation by NMCS National Chaplain Fr Peter Banda, SJ, who reflected on discernment and hope. In his address, he encouraged participants to make values-driven decisions amid the pressures and uncertainties of modern life. Drawing on the real challenges young people face in decision-making, he introduced practical tools for discernment to guide students as they navigate their academic, personal, and spiritual journeys.

Service and Social Awareness

A key highlight of the conference was the Immersion Experience, where students engaged in community-oriented activities, including agricultural work at Sacred Heart Farm and outreach to the children’s home. The initiative was designed to reinforce the Church’s call to solidarity with the poor and marginalized.

“This is where faith meets action,” one participant noted during a reflection session. “You begin to understand that service is not optional—it is essential.”

On Good Friday, the Way of the Cross invited participants to connect Christ’s suffering with the contemporary challenges facing young people, including mental health struggles, economic hardship, and social instability. At exactly 3:00 p.m., the service began in total silence, as students entered into deep reflection on Christ’s passion and His sacrifice on the cross. The atmosphere was solemn and contemplative, making it one of the most profound and moving moments of the conference.

Addressing Youth Realities

Beyond spiritual activities, the conference addressed issues directly affecting young people. A session on emotional and psychological well-being, led by Fr James Batsirai, encouraged students to confront personal struggles and seek healing through faith and community support. Fr Batsirai emphasized the importance of nurturing a “healthy and whole generation,” reminding participants that while some wounds require professional help, true healing also calls for a consistent and honest relationship with God through prayer.

On Easter Saturday, the conference broadened its focus to include environmental responsibility and civic engagement. An interactive session inspired by the spirituality of St Francis of Assisi highlighted the saint’s radical transformation—from a life of privilege to one of poverty, humility, and service. His journey served as a powerful reminder that meaningful change begins within. Echoing this message, Br Tatenda OFM Cap challenged participants to reflect deeply, stating, “We must change our hearts before we change the world.”

Attention then turned to national issues, with a civic awareness session on Zimbabwe’s Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3 led by Advocate Nikiwe Ncube from the Zimbabwe Law Society. The discussion prompted thoughtful and, at times, passionate engagement, as students examined questions of governance, accountability, and democratic participation. The session created a safe and open space for participants to express their views on the proposed amendments.

One participant voiced strong concerns, stating:

“I reject CAB 3. The president and his government have failed to provide meaningful development over the past years, and we cannot entrust them with an extended term as proposed. Removing presidential elections undermines citizens’ right to vote. The people must retain the power to choose their leaders. Granting the president authority to appoint judges and additional senators risks compromising the independence of our institutions. In my view, CAB 3 undermines democracy.”

The dialogue underscored the importance of informed and active citizenship among young people, aligning with the conference’s broader aim of forming socially conscious leaders.

Complementing these discussions was a session on relationships and vocation led by Sr Chinyani, PhD, who addressed the realities of modern dating culture, peer pressure, and life choices. She encouraged students to approach relationships with maturity and discernment, emphasizing the importance of making principled decisions grounded in personal values and faith.

Celebrating Hope and Community

The Easter Vigil marked a high point of the conference, with the lighting of the Paschal candle symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. The liturgy was characterized by vibrant expressions of faith, including singing, dancing, and the baptism of one participant from the Bulawayo Region.

Easter Sunday shifted the focus to community building, with sports and regional competitions fostering unity among attendees. Harare Region emerged as the winner in the choir competition, while Bulawayo Region claimed victory in the soccer tournament, highlighting both the diversity of talent and the spirit of friendly competition that defined the day.

The day concluded with a formal Black-Tie Dinner and Awards Night, celebrating excellence and participation within the movement.

A Call to Mission

The conference concluded on Easter Monday with a Missioning Mass celebrated by the National Chaplain, Fr Peter Banda, SJ, on behalf of the Archbishop. The liturgy marked a solemn yet hopeful sending forth, commissioning participants to carry the spirit of the conference into their daily lives.

Por, Hazel K. Zindoga

Integral Youth Development (IYD) Program, Zimbabwe.